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Wednesday, January 18, 2012

An Apology

I have to apologize for my lack of posts the last little while. Its been a traumatic couple of weeks at our house. 10 days ago my dear father-in-law, Dee Henderson, passed away unexpectedly. He had been in the hospital for several weeks, but we all expected him to make a full recovery. We knew it would take some time, but we were waiting as patiently as possible for his body to heal. Unfortunately, it wasn't to be. He suffered a cerebral bleed and passed away peacefully.

He was a great man. He was a great example of kindness to everyone, generosity and Christlike love. He will be deeply missed.

Dee was a great source of musical inspiration to my kids. He encouraged them to practice their instruments and even gave them their very first instruments. Colton was given a saxophone, Bailey a clarinet and Brandee a violin. He was always full of encouragement when the kids didn't want to practice and he made them feel like they were the best musicians in the world! I loved to hear them "jam" when they got together. Dee would provide the kids with music a month or two before he would come to visit. So the kids would practice and do their best to be ready to spend a afternoon playing with and learning from grandpa.

Dee wasn't my husband's father (he passed away in a car accident 18 years ago), rather a step parent, but it never felt that way to us. He loved us as if we were his own children and we loved him like a father. He was always there when we needed advice and encouragement.

Now it's up to us to move forward with faith in God's plan. Faith that families can be together forever and that rather than being lost, Dee is preparing for the time that our family can be together again. It's up to us to follow Dee's example and try to live as the Savior taught and love as the Savior loved. It's what he would have wanted.